Why in the news?

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved ₹10,700 crore equity infusion for FCI’s working capital for 2024-25. 

More on news 

• FCI started its journey with an authorised capital of ₹100 crores and equity of ₹4 crores. The equity of FCI was increased from time to time.
• The current equity infusion will: 
  • Strengthens FCI's operational capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively. 
  • Reduces reliance on short-term borrowings, lowering interest costs and government subsidy.

What is Food Corporation of India?

• About: FCI is Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Genesis: FCI is a statutory body established under the Food Corporation's Act 1964.
• Finance: FCI started its journey with an authorised capital of Rs. 100 Crores and equity of Rs. 4 Crores. The equity of FCI was increased from time to time.
• Key Responsibility: Main agency responsible for execution of food policies of the Gol. 
• Functions: It is the nodal central government agency, responsible for the purchase, storage, interstate movement, distribution and sale of food grains.

Working mechanism of Food Corporation of India (FCI

• The FCI, along with state agencies, procures food grains to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers and affordable grains for weaker sections. 
• FCI undertakes two types of procurement mechanisms
  • Direct Procurement: FCI or State Government Agencies (SGAs) procure food grains, with FCI handling storage and distribution.
  • Decentralized Procurement (DCP): States manage procurement, storage, and distribution, handing excess stocks (rice/wheat) to FCI for the Central Pool.

Initiatives taken to improve the functioning of FCI

Structural Reforms

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Initiative: Implemented ‘One Nation, One MSP’ for direct online payments to farmers.
• Modernized Storage Solutions: The traditional Cover and Plinth storage, which stood at 30.25 LMT in 2014, has been progressively replaced with scientifically managed storage depots and silos.
• Steel Silos: Currently, 22.75 LMT of steel silos are operational, with an additional 41 LMT in development.
• Digital reforms such as AI-Enabled Video Surveillance, ANNA DARPAN portal for seamless end-to-end supply chain management, Vehicle Location Tracking System, Warehouse Inventory Network and Governing System (WINGS) App for mill tagging and warehouse space allocation.